Next meeting on February 3 when the speaker will be Mr Raymond Sutton, from Montrose

Maryculter WRI

President Audrey Lowson welcomed members to the first meeting of 2014, wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

After business, Audrey introduced Brian Harrison, the speaker for the evening. Brian gave a very interesting, informative and, at times, amusing talk, supported by slides and a video, on the work of the street pastors in Aberdeen.

Aberdeen was the first city in Scotland to introduce street pastors in 2007.

They are present in the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights in their role of ‘listening, helping and caring.’

Portlethen Golf Club was the venue for our annual Burns Supper where we were welcomed by a piper.

Brian Cameron addressed the haggis and entertained us with anecdotes. Helen Gauld said the Selkirk Grace and we enjoyed the traditional fare. The company then sang ‘A man’s a man for a’ that’ which concluded the proceedings.

Our next meeting will be on Monday, February 10, in Portlethen Academy Community Wing where Jo Goldsworthy will be demonstrating flower arranging.

The competitions will be a ladies corsage and a decorated Valentine’s sponge. New members are also welcome. Contact swriportlethen@gmail.com